Bowen Therapy is a very effective form of bodywork, where gentle moves are performed over muscles and soft tissue, stimulating the nervous system to reset and heal. It involves gently stretching the fascia - the soft tissue that covers all your muscles and organs - to promote pain relief. Many people are looking for a gentler approach than some other manipulative therapies and for this Bowen is the ideal solution.
The practitioner places their hands on specific points of the body that stimulate the body’s own healing mechanisms. The body responds by correcting conditions, relaxing and rehabilitating a wide variety of problems.
People of all ages respond to Bowen therapy according to what their bodies need in order to find wellbeing. Bowen therapy is a soft-tissue modality not to be confused with massage as it differs in the following ways:
• There is no forceful manipulation of muscles
• No oil is used
• Bowen therapy can be performed on skin or through light, comfortable clothing.
• There are frequent pauses between sets of moves to provide
the brain and the whole body time to integrate the adjustments occurring on a cellular level.
Muscle tension and strains are relieved and normal lymphatic flow is restored without the need for deep pressure. Often, scar tissue softens and adhesions release with this very light work. The balancing of muscles, tendons, and ligaments help the bones to realign themselves. Nearly everyone reports a pleasant, relaxed state and a deep sense of well-being and ease. It is not unusual for patients to fall asleep during treatments.
Bowen Therapy is a ‘complementary’ modality in the sense that it enhances and complements, but does not interfere with, traditional medical attention. Responses within the body can be noted for up to 5 days after treatment.
Bowen Therapy is appropriate for newborns to the elderly. Results can be remarkable, even from the first session.
When Should I Have Bowen Therapy?
For acute conditions the ideal time for a Bowen session is immediately after an injury. That way, your body can overcome the trauma before it begins to compensate for it. The compensations often create more problems in the long run than the initial trauma itself. If you can’t get to a Bowen practitioner immediately, the sooner you can, the better. Within three days is ideal for the quickest and most complete recovery.
Chronic conditions can also be addressed with Bowen Therapy, but can take longer to alleviate symptoms due to the compensation patterns developed over time. Three sessions of Bowen roughly one week apart is a great starting point for chronic conditions, and sometimes this is all that is needed to bring full relief.
Bowen Therapy is also a helpful addition for people wishing to prevent injuries or illness with monthly body maintenance sessions. And during the rehabilitation process after an injury or surgery.
What to Expect
The practitioner will take a brief health history and ask about the reasons for your visit, so as to select the best course of treatment for that day. Wear or bring light-weight, loose fitting clothing that your practitioner can work through. Or you may choose to wear your underclothes and be professionally draped for modesty and comfort.
After each series of moves, the practitioner will pause to allow your body time to respond. She may at times leave the room during these pauses to allow for maximum relaxation and healing.
Following Treatment
After your treatment, some changes may be noticeable right away, such as reduced pain, greater range of motion, and a deep sense of relaxation and well being.
You may notice changes over the next several days as your body continues the process that began during your session. Sound sleep and increased energy are commonly reported. It is important to drink water and stay hydrated at this time.
If your practitioner assigns ‘homework’ of gentle Bowen exercises, do them daily, starting the day after your session. This is an essential part of your care and will provide maximum results.
Ideally a follow up session 5-10 days after the initial treatment will provide greater healing benefits and results.
Tom Bowen & How Bowen Therapy Originated
Tom Bowen began developing what is now known as Bowen Therapy in the 1950s, and continued to practice in Geelong, Australia until his passing in 1982.
According to a 1974 survey of alternative health practitioners performed by the Victorian Government, in more than 85% of his cases, the problems for which his patients sought relief were resolved and Bowen was performing more than 13,000 Bowen Therapy sessions per year. Bowen regularly held free clinics for children, people with disabilities, and community service workers throughout his career.
Tom Bowen developed the Bowen Therapy technique through ascertaining precise body locations and developing sequences of ‘moves’ to treat each individual he saw. Bowen therapy’s use of light pressure follows the Arndt-Schulze law, which states that the body responds more deeply and positively to low-pressure stimuli than it does to painful, strong stimuli.
Today this this soft tissue therapy known as Bowen Therapy has a strong, loyal following around the world.
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